How Does the Exhaust in Your Volkswagen Work? 5 Key Parts of the Exhaust System
As the name suggests, internal combustion engines are powered by combustion. When the fuel and air mixture combusts, exhaust gases are left behind. These gases can be dangerous to your health, so breathing them in is not recommended. That's where the exhaust system comes in. Its purpose is to make sure that exhaust gases stay away from the car's cabin--and, by extension, your lungs.
But just what goes into a good exhaust system? It's more complex than it might seem. At Archer Volkswagen, we believe that an informed customer is better equipped to make the right choices when caring for their vehicle. That's why we've put together informational pages like this one. Below, you'll learn about five key components of the exhaust system in your Volkswagen. While the system itself is more complex than this, it's these five components that are the most important. If the exhaust system in your VW needs any work, be sure to contact us to schedule your next service appointment.
1. Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is what gets everything started. Think of it as essentially a funnel for exhaust gases. One end of the manifold has several holes, corresponding to the cylinders in your vehicle's engine. This end is connected directly to the cylinder heads where it takes the exhaust from the cylinders and funnels it into the rest of the exhaust system.
2. Oxygen Sensors
Near the exhaust manifold, you'll find at least two oxygen sensors (typically referred to as an "upstream" sensor and a "downstream" sensor). These sensors test the level of oxygen in the exhaust, and sends this information to your vehicle's computer. If the oxygen level is off, your car will adjust the fuel-to-air ratio to get the best possible fuel efficiency. If an exhaust sensor has failed, it may cause your VW to incorrectly adjust the mixture, which could lead to decreased gas mileage and other problems like the Check Engine Light coming on.
3. Catalytic Converter
The exhaust gases produced by your vehicle include hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. In addition to being hazardous to your health, these compounds are also bad for the environment. The catalytic converter converts these gases into less harmful ones (like water and carbon dioxide) using a catalyst. Platinum, rhodium, and palladium are common catalysts used in a catalytic converter, so replacing this part when it goes bad can be expensive.
4. Exhaust Pipes
The exhaust pipes are a vital part of the system. Exhaust is created in the engine, but it's expelled at the rear of your car. It's these pipes that carry the exhaust from the exhaust manifold, through the catalytic converter, and eventually out of the vehicle. The tailpipe is where the exhaust gases eventually escape. These gases should be invisible. If there are visible black, white, grey, or blue emissions, you'll need to have your VW taken care of by certified technicians as soon as possible.
5. Muffler
Just before being expelled through the tailpipe, the exhaust goes through the muffler. The process of combustion is a noisy one, and this noise can travel with the exhaust. When the exhaust goes through the muffler, it's made quieter. Driving without a muffler or with a damaged muffler makes your car uncomfortably loud, and it's also against the law in many places.